Definition- Biomechanics can be defined as a field of studies that takes the principles of physics and applies them to the movements of the body. More specifically these principles are applied to how the body moves, how muscles are flexed, how the joints interact, and how the skeleton is propelled by the muscular system.

Terms

Equilibrium- Occurs when more than one force acts on a body but because the sum of the forces is zero, no change in velocity occurs.

Conservation of Energy- The concept that states that energy cannot be created or destroyed but can be converted from one form to another.

Speed-Is a scalar measure that indicates how fast an object is travelling at a specific instant in time.

Acceleration and Deceleration- Refers to the rate in which the speed of an object changes.

Velocity- Indicates speed as well as direction.

Inertia- Can be characterized by resistance and persistance. All objects resist movement of their inertia:Once movement is initiated, an object mass (and inertia) is expressed by a tendancy to contine to move at a uniform speed in a straight line inless gravity, air resistance or friction intervenes.

Mass- Mass is directly related with inertia: The more mass the more inertia.

Momentum- Is the amount of motion developed by an athlete or object.

1.) Linear Momentum- Amount of motion in a linear direction, horizontal or vertical

2.) Angular Momentum- Amount of motion in a rotation about an axis.

Impulse- Is the application of force over a segment of time that results in a change in momentum.

Force- Is a push or a pull that may change the state of motion of an object.